Can The Circadian Rhythm Be Regulated?
Most of us (particularly Canadians) began our Daylight Savings time yesterday, which commonly triggers disruption to the internal clock in our bodies – the circadian rhythm. This is a built-in process that regulates sleep, hunger, and energy levels in our bodies. Research shows that light affects our visual and non-visual systems. Therefore, electric light can impact the circadian rhythm. The amount of light we consume is a big factor in this process which depicts our sleep-wake cycle. For some of us, moving the clock back and forth makes us feel ‘off’.
Fortunately, there are some ways that we can re-regulate our circadian rhythm. By incorporating these strategies it will allow you to be more positive, alert, and productive:
GO ON WELLNESS WALKS
Taking short walks outside throughout the day is a simple way to benefit from the alerting nature of daylight. Even brief, intermittent exposure to sunlight may have an energizing effect on individuals.
INVEST IN EVENING LIGHTS
Recent studies indicate that nighttime lighting is harmful to health. Lights should be kept as low and as warm as comfortable for evenings. According to sleep specialists, the lux readings in evening hours and before bed should be less than 180, whereas the standard lux readings in a home are 300-500. Take a look at this article for more information, click here.
USE BLACKOUT SHADES AND EYE MASKS
Blackout shades and eye masks prevent the melatonin-inhibiting blue wavelengths of light from disrupting sleep, and overall blackout shades allow greater control over home lighting. Eye masks are helpful to block out light specifically during the night in preparation for and during sleep.
For some more tips on how interior design can control the light that we consume and serve our health for the better, take a look at this article by Axis Lighting in Architect magazine. Read this.
Original Article: Architect Magazine
Article Written By: Trish Matthews & Jotveer Pakkar
